Ten steps towards being witnesses to the gospel

1. Take seriously the call to be witnesses to the Gospel of lifeWitnessing to the Gospel of life challenges us to address the human need before us, and to be a force for change to institutions and policies that divide society, undermine human dignity and cause human poverty and disadvantage.

2. Be witnessesWorking for justice and showing a willingness to reflect deeply on the meaning of injustice and the causes of oppression encourages others to examine their lives and values, inspiring women and men to turn to Christ and to the service of others.

3. Deepen an appreciation of the power of the GospelAn ever deeper appreciation of the power of the Gospel enables us to draw parallels between current situations and the life and ministry of Jesus, and enables action to emerge from gospel values.

4. Incorporate commitment to justice into worship and prayerThrough our prayer and worshipping together, we come to realize that our lives are sacred as is the life of all our brothers and sisters.

Use the accompanying Prayer Card prepared by the ACSJC for personal prayer, in schools and parishes, and for family and group prayer time.

The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me.He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,to proclaim liberty to captives and to the blind new sight,to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour. Luke 4: 18 - 19

5. Imagine a better world and bring this vision to fruitionJesus was vitally concerned with what divided society and caused human impoverishment. His ministry to establish the Kingdom of God was certainly concerned with personal conversion but also with liberating people from unjust structures. We can use our creativity and imagination to develop new thinking, ideas, structures and institutions.

6. Develop a more ethical lifestyleAs we integrate our response to one another, to our world and to the environment, we will develop a more ethical lifestyle.

7. Be committed to non-violenceActing with responsibly and with integrity, we voice our condemnation of violence and confront the use of violence and war to solve problems. Choosing not to hurt or kill another human being is the greatest contribution each of us can make to peace. Our gentleness and peace can build strong relationships and community.

Then he began to speak to them:“This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen” Luke 4: 21

8. Honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesHaving apologised for the injustices of the past, we now need to take concrete steps towards a reconciliation based on mutual respect.

9. Care for the vulnerable and the marginalisedWe need to work towards the inclusion of all people into our community, bridging our divisions, building upon our hopes, and accepting our responsibility to build the Kingdom of God in the here and now.

10. Engage in sustainable developmentWe are currently living out of harmony with nature, scarring the surface of the earth with erosion and deforestation, contributing to rising sea levels and devastating droughts.